The Lookout at Cape Foulweather
The Look-Out at Cape Foulweather was built in 1937 on the ocean side of the Oregon Coast Highway as a coffee shop by Wilbur and Ana Badley. Its location on a rocky promontory, over 450 feet above the Pacific Ocean, provided spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The area is commonly known as Otter Crest, a name appropriated by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department for the adjacent State Scenic Viewpoint.
The Look-Out is historically significant for its association with commerce and the tourism industry along the Oregon coast from 1937 to 1963., as well as for its association with World War II and defensive measures along the Oregon coast. Soon after its construction, the Badleys changed the use of the building from a coffee shop and small restaurant into a gift shop for people interested in souvenirs of their visit to the coast.
Utilizing the 2024 Preservation Plan as a guide, ARG is rehabilitating The Lookout at Cape Foulweather with a focus on exterior restoration and rehabilitation of the building, and interior improvements, including accessibility upgrades. The project is being completed in two phases, with the Gift Shop anticipated to reopen next spring.
Phase I focuses on exterior stabilization. Exterior work includes repair and rehabilitation of the existing concrete walls, restoration of the roof, masonry, fenestration, and replacement of the existing wood and aluminum siding. Phase II focuses on interior renovation. Interior work includes accessibility upgrades to the first-floor gift shop and observation deck, remodel of the existing ground floor to provide a new office, minimal interior finish repairs and upgraded electrical systems.
